Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas

Some things are just synonomous with New Year's....gold confetti, noisemakers, sparklers and champagne all make you want to countdown from ten and scream, "Happy New Year!" at the top of your lungs. In my opinion, these celebratory details are absolutely necessary if you're planning a New Year's Eve wedding. However, there are some other clever ways to make your holiday wedding something special.

This week's Picks on Paper features not five, but TEN different ideas for planning a great New Year's wedding. It seemed only natural, given the New Year's theme. So here we go... 10 Hats and Noisemakers ... 9 Champagne ... 8 The Countdown ... 7 Golden ... 6 Costume Change ... 5 Midnight Snack ... 4 Fireworks ... 3 Black Tie ... 2 Funfetti ... 1 Sparkle!



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Clark + Walker | Atlas Wedding Photography | Scade Photography | Justin Ketchum Photography | Jackie Ray Photography via Yes Bride | Scott Lawrence via SMP | ban.do holiday | Scott Lawrence via SMP



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Handmade Champagne Saucers via The White Company London | Laura Ashbrook Photography via Style Me Pretty | Jose Villa via Green Wedding Shoes | Martha Stewart Weddings



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Avery House via Style Me Pretty || Elizabeth Anne Designs | AlexM Photography via A Paper Proposal | Sweet Tea Photography by Lisa Marie via Grazier Photography |



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Martha Stewart Weddings | Brides | Avery House via Style Me Pretty | Bellissima Photography via The Sweetest Occasion



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Mike Larson Photographers Inc. via SMP | Kellie Kano via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Alice + Olivia | Kate Spade New York "Sparkler - Little Gia" Pouch via Nordstrom | Banana Republic via Harpers Bazaar | Poetrie



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Martha Stewart Weddings | Sweet Tea Photography by Lisa Marie via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Grazier Photography



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Ruth Ritter via National Geographic | Scott Lawrence via Style Me Pretty | Atlas Wedding Photography | Scott Lawrence via SMP | Aaron Delesie via Plum Pretty Sugar



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
B&G Photography via Style Me Pretty | R Wagner Photography via SMP | Arabelle Long Dress in Silk Chiffon by J.Crew | One and Only Paris Photography | B&G Photography via Style Me Pretty



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Castles, Crowns and Cottages | Studio28 Photo via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Nancy Ray Photography via SMP | Avery House via Style Me Pretty | Deborah Lippmann Collection | StudioThisIs via SMP | Uploaded by user via Pinterest



Picks on Paper - New Year's Wedding Ideas
Uploaded by user via Pinterest | Grazier Photography | Tyler Boye via Hostess with the Mostess | Avery House via Style Me Pretty | Glass Glitter Stars by MemrieMare | Jose Villa via Green Wedding Shoes




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Happy Holidays from Merci New York

Happy Holidays from Merci New York Happy holidays everyone! Just a sweet little note to share that our Merci New York office and blog will be closed from December 26th through January 2nd as we celebrate the season with friends and family.
During the break, don’t forget that you can always browse our favorite real wedding , engagement session and styled shoot posts of 2011 by clicking on the “features” drop down menu. And of course you will find a slew of stylist curated gown, shoe , lingerie and straight from the runway wedding style goodness from the “fashion” tab of our navigation bar.
We hope you have a restful holiday break – and we look forward to sharing more chic wedding inspiration in 2012.
xx,

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Styled NYC Engagement + Wedding Shoot with Mike Colón

We absolutely love when Mike Colón Photography shares their recent NYC work with Merci New York. The renowned California-based crew shoots all over the world, but often finds themselves in NYC for luxe weddings and events…. and when they do, we are very, very happy campers.
This fall, Mike Colón and Kat Harris were back in town to host a great engagement and wedding photography workshop – and the resulting eye-candy is so inspiring, we couldn’t wait to share it with our readers. Take notes brides, there are some fabulous NYC backdrops here {as well as great fashion that gives back to the community at large}. Read on for more… From Kat Harris of Mike Colon Photographers: The hustle and bustle of the city is enough to make my heart swoon, but getting to spend the afternoon with Kira and Johan in the heart of NYC made me swoon even more. We began at the New York Public Library , and these two were all laughs… It was so evident how much they truly enjoyed each other.
After what seemed like a perfect afternoon, they slipped into their wedding garb and it began to pour! The rain hardly stopped these two from prancing in the subway to dancing in the streets. Styled NYC Engagement + Wedding Shoot with Mike Colón Styled NYC Engagement + Wedding Shoot with Mike Colón Styled NYC Engagement + Wedding Shoot with Mike Colón Vendor List:
Head Photographer: Mike Colón
Participating photographers: Kat Harris ; Lelia Bartruff ; Reinaldo Alves ; John Hotea
Jewelry: 31 Bits
Eyewear: Warby Parker
Gown: Julia Lovan Designs
Florals: Lori, AvaFloral
Creative Direction/Wardrobe: Kat Harris
Models: Jordan Fenton Moon Model Agency and Johan of KSR Talent
Female/Male Lifestyle Wardrobe: JCrew
Hair and Make-up: Chad, 724 Make-up

About the fashion in this shoot: Even a few short years ago there were not many quality products available to brides to purchase that had a positive impact on the world. Well that has changed quite a bit…
The jewelry Kira is wearing is provided by 31 Bits , an organization committed to seeing women in Northern Uganda empowered, educated, and sustained. Each piece of jewelry provided by 31 Bits is hand made by a woman in Northern Uganda.
The gown Kira is wearing is created by LA designer Julia Lovan . All of Julia’s gowns are purchased and made with fair wages and in the US.
The reading glasses that Kira is wearing are a product of Warby Parker , a fairly new and highly innovative eyewear company based out of SoHo in New York. Like Tom’s, Warby Parker offers a ’1 for 1′ model on every pair of glasses purchased. For every pair of glasses sold in the US, a pair of glasses is donated by Warby Parker to a child in need. What I love about all these products is they are not only high quality, but you can be assured that your investment into each piece is going to help make the world a better place.

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Playful and Rugged Engagement Shoot

When I first saw this engagement shoot, submitted to me by Kelly Cameron Photography , the first thing that I noticed was what she had written about the featured couple, Michelle and Adam. For that reason, I feel like I should share it with you guys!

Michelle, cancer survivor at age 21, and Adam are a classic example of everyday, head-over-heels love captured in a fun and unique way. Vintage scooters, fields with bouquets of wildflowers, and quaint historic town squares are featured in a variety of vibrant and vintage colors. Comfortable, fun and joyful - this couple would make a great feature.

I thought this engagement shoot was lots of fun, and it struck me as somewhat "Rugged," because of the photographer's unique choice to customize the coloring of these photos. Don't ask me why - I just got that feeling from these photos! :)



Playful and Rugged Engagement Shoot Playful and Rugged Engagement Shoot

Playful and Rugged Engagement Shoot by Kelly Cameron Photography


Playful and Rugged Engagement Shoot


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Tuesday Shoesday | Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Pumps

Tuesday Shoesday | Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Pumps Aren’t you just in l.o.v.e. with these stunning Giuseppe Zanotti platform heels {perfectly styled by Anthony Vazquez Photography on the ledge of the Thompson LES Hotel no less}? Well, I certainly am… They’re but one of many stylish details from Katie and Adam’s NYC wedding, planned by ANG Weddings and Events and featured on Merci New York , right here .
To snag your own pair, check out the amazing assortment on the designer’s site {or your local Saks or Barneys}.
Psst… For more stylist-curated Tuesday Shoesday finds, click here .
xx,

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Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation

Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Today we are thrilled to share Katie and Adam’s absolutely breathtaking New York wedding, planned by Tzo Ai of ANG Weddings and Events . From the striking getting ready portraits at the Thompson LES hotel , to their stunning ceremony and reception at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts , Katie and Adam’s wedding is packed to the brim with stylish, NYC-centric details that will inspire any Manhattan bride-to-be. Take a peek…
Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation The bridal party got ready at the Thompson LES hotel , just a few blocks away from the wedding venue. They had a penthouse suite, which also served nicely as their after party venue after the wedding. The floor to ceiling windows and balcony offered sweeping views of downtown New York.
Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts . The Foundation is housed in one of the oldest surviving gothic-revival synagogues in New York, and has proudly kept its architectural integrity. When it opened in 1849, it was the largest synagogue in the United States.
Tzo Ai shared that the chuppah was decorated using sheer white draped fabric with orchid blossoms and hanging votives. A family heirloom, a talis, was incorporated into the roof of the chuppah. The hanging chandeliers were draped with a mix of ivy and passionflower vine. Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Adam had proposed to Katie at a John Mayer concert a year prior. When John Mayer saw this was happening, he made up a song on the spot and serenaded the newly engaged couple from the stage. This was caught on video, which went viral after being uploaded to YouTube. We played the video on four plasma screens just before the introduction of the Bride and Groom to a huge round of applause and laughter from the guests. Later during the reception, the Adam surprised the Katie by jumping on stage, picking up his electric guitar and singing Wonderwall to her. Together with the touching speeches from family and friends, it was an incredibly meaningful evening, so full of love.
Bernard Brim and the New York Players from Starlight Orchestras kept the dance floor packed the entire night. Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Real NYC Wedding | Katie + Adam at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Nine Cakes created a beautiful dessert table of five different flavored cakes on stands of varying heights and a selection of mini desserts. The cakes were decorated with jewels in purples and blues with accents of silver. It was a feast for the eyes and just as tasty.

Vendor list:
Photography: Anthony Vazquez Photography
Event Planning: Ang Weddings and Events
Getting Ready Hotel: Thompson LES
Ceremony + Reception Location: Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts
Bride Dress: Birnbaum and Bullock
Cake: Nine Cakes
Caterer: The Secret Chef
Flowers: Studio Artiflora
Officiant: Rabbi Meir Berger
Cinematography: Well Spun Weddings
Rentals: Something Different Party Rentals
Band: Bernard Brim and the New York Players, Starlight Orchestras
Hair + Makeup: Beauty Collective
Bridesmaid Dress: Two Birds

About the planner: Tzo Ai of ANG Weddings and Events was previously a Vice President at a global investment bank, managing relationships with some of its largest clients. She brings the same commitment to professionalism and strong work ethic to planning weddings. Having planned her own wedding while working in finance, she fully understands the challenge of juggling a highly demanding career and planning a wedding. She works around her clients’ schedules, meeting them during evenings and weekends – whenever is most convenient for them. Tzo Ai also previously worked with a New York wedding planner, gaining valuable experience from an industry veteran.

All photos courtesy of Anthony Vazquez Photography

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Make Meaning | New Upper East Side Outpost Offers Stylish Crafts for Kids of All Ages

Who says crafts are just for kids?! Certainly not Robert Verdi, Dylan Lauren or any of the other style-loving luminaries who joined Darcy Miller and Martha Stewart Living for the grand opening of Make Meaning on the Upper East Side last Thursday evening.
Merci New York was thrilled to share in the festivities, craft for a cause , and report back to all our lovely New York ladies looking for a fun new date night, girls night {or even bachelorette } activity…
Make Meaning | New Upper East Side Outpost Offers Stylish Crafts for Kids of All Ages Martha Stewart Weddings’ Editorial Director, Darcy Miller, and style guru Robert Verdi design a super cute cake inspired by a Damien Hirst design. The original was found in the pages of MSW.
Make Meaning | New Upper East Side Outpost Offers Stylish Crafts for Kids of All Ages Make Meaning’s new UES outpost is a colorful craft refuge for all kids, big and small. Here you can paint ceramics, design your own jewelry, and even build a pick-your-scent candle. {We were drawn to the “freshly washed man” scent ourselves!} Pair all the fun activities with grown-up only incentives like 50 percent off wine Wednesdays or “adults make it after dark classes” , and voila! You’ve got yourself an instant date night or bachelorette party festivity.
Dylan Lauren joins Darcy at the make-a-cake activation {above}, while the back of house was prepped for little ones looking to do the same, {below}.
Make Meaning | New Upper East Side Outpost Offers Stylish Crafts for Kids of All Ages The all-organic Soft Serve Fruit Co. was on hand to deliver delish treats and a slew of toppings.
Make Meaning | New Upper East Side Outpost Offers Stylish Crafts for Kids of All Ages My hands-down favorite activity was the glitter tattoo station! Here I am enjoying the motions, {then convincing Jayne to do the same!} Such fun!
Make Meaning | New Upper East Side Outpost Offers Stylish Crafts for Kids of All Ages Wedding industry friends Darcy Miller and Anthony Luscia of Martha Stewart Weddings are joined by Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York and Marcy Blum , who designed the most adorable cakes. {Ours was too embarrassing to share!}
In addition to their Upper East Side location , Make Meaning has a second storefront on the Upper West Side {Being only half a block from the Merci office, I couldn’t resist a second visit the very next day}. Click here to for adult classes or events, or to learn about booking a party of your own at either location.
xx,


Images courtesy of Ryan McCune/
PatrickMcMullan.com , Mike Krautter of Martha Stewart Living , and my own trusty little iPhone.

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Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012

As you probably noticed while reading our Bridal Market Bits series this season, we decided not to bombard brides with all the Fall 2012 shows at once, but rather piece meal all the gorgeous goodness week by week, until gowns were ready to be sold in salons.
Our Merci New York photographers captured every single show we saw, and some great surprises as well… like super fun behind the scenes footage of Romona Keveza {shown at this post } and Kenneth Pool {below}.
As a stylist, I sometimes appreciate the backstage photos as much as the runway show itself. From the initial model casting, down to the day-of hair styling, make-up and wardrobing, it’s quite a production to present an entire collection in such a tight time frame! Here’s an exclusive backstage pass to Kenneth Pool, and some of our favorite gowns of the Fall 2012 collection.
Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012
Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Bridal Market Bits | Behind the Scenes at Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Which are your favorites from the Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 collection?

All photos courtesy of Merci New York

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Merci Picks: Chic, Buy Now Gifts at Henri Bendel

Full disclosure: I’m not the biggest fan of holiday gift guides. It’s not that I don’t love looking at all the gorgeous goodies and crafty treats, it’s just that I’m a self-admitted last minute shopper and gift guides require planning.
A proactive purchase on Cyber Monday just isn’t in my M.O. Nor is tracking down UPS after they’ve left 500 sticky notes at my non-doorman building. Like it or not, I am a face-the-crowds-in-the-11th-hour kind of NYC Christmas shopper…
Merci Picks: Chic, Buy Now Gifts at Henri Bendel 1. Gold Goddess Tote , $198 2. Miss Bendel Travel Ballet Flats , $98 3. Go To The Beach Travel Set , $48 4. West 57th Haircalf iPad Sleeve , $98 5. Eau De Parfum Purse Sets , $58 6. Deluxe Hand Me Down Stack Ring , $118 7. Car Wash Necklace , $178 8. Suped Up Debutante Asymmetric Clutch , $278
So this morning, when I found myself dropping bows against throngs of tourists at Henri Bendel {for a gift to be given tonight no less}, I thought of my lovely Merci readers. Surely someone out there is like me? Surely someone is reading this blog while at the office, scrambling to finish the work week, yet empty handed for tonight’s holiday party? Well, if you’re half as mad as I am, here’s a little stylist-curated guide of chic, thoughtful and all-out adorable gifts that are still on the shelves of Henri Bendel’s flagship on Fifth Avenue. Happy my-kind-of-chic-Christmas shopping!
xx,

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Engagement Shoot: Love at First Kiss

Happy Friday! Before we all head off for our soon-to-be awesome weekends, I thought I'd leave you with a sweet engagement shoot by Christian Gideon Photography . The couple, Ashley and Chris had their first kiss on New Year's Eve and wanted recreate that special moment for their engagement shoot. It's a great idea, when you think about it. If you're stuck trying to decide what you should do for your engagement shoot, try thinking about your favorite memories or most significant moments shared with one another, and go from there. Ashley and Chris also took photos in some of their favorite spots in Dallas, by White Rock Lake and in the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood. The couple is getting married next June!



Engagement Shoot:  Love at First Kiss Engagement Shoot:  Love at First Kiss

Engagement Shoot: Love at First Kiss was shot by Christian Gideon Photography

Engagement Shoot:  Love at First Kiss


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Oh Christmas Tree!

Oh Christmas Tree!
Just wanted to share the sweet bridal christmas tree that my lovely office surprised me with!!! They used my cake topper collection. LOVE it! Enjoy xox Mindy...

Just wanted to share the sweet bridal christmas tree that my lovely office surprised me with!!! They used my cake topper collection. LOVE it! Enjoy xox MindyOh Christmas Tree!

Oh Christmas Tree!

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